China expressed its willingness to “join hands” with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to uphold the stability of the South China Sea, steadily advance the consultation of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and promote maritime and East Asian cooperation so as to inject positive energy into regional integration and economic globalization. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang, since the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations in 1991 “political mutual trust has been strengthened and fruitful outcomes have been reaped in pragmatic cooperation” with the concerted efforts of both sides. Geng pointed out in particular the progress that has been made on maritime cooperation between China and ASEAN countries within the framework of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the recent conclusion of the framework of the COC.

Marbasa, R. C. & Reuters. (2017, August 5). China set for easy ride from ASEAN on disputed South China Sea. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 6.